: Focus on commute times, school quality (which impacts resale value), and local amenities like parks or grocery stores.
: Distinguish between non-negotiables (e.g., number of bedrooms, safety) and things you can compromise on (e.g., paint colors, older appliances). what to do to prepare to buy your first home
: Follow the 3-3-3 rule —have three months of living expenses saved and three months of mortgage payments in reserve. 2. Do Your Homework on the Market : Focus on commute times, school quality (which
: A pre-approval letter shows sellers you are a serious buyer and have already arranged financing. : Focus on commute times
: W-2s from the last two years and recent pay stubs. Tax Returns : Federal returns for the past two years.
Before looking at houses, you must understand what you can actually afford.